The leading specialist social care provider has launched its ‘Fulfilling Lives for All’ manifesto, setting out practical measures that, with the support of policy makers and politicians, would deliver huge benefit for the care sector. Together, these measures have the potential to improve outcomes, increase efficiency and ensure the system is focused on high quality, personalised and consistent support that enables individuals to live fulfilling lives.
Voyage Care, who support 3,500 people across the UK with learning disabilities, brain injuries, physical disabilities, autism and other complex needs, launched the call for action at an event in Westminster chaired by Sir Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism.
Jayne Davey introduced the manifesto, and how Voyage Care’s experience has shaped the recommendations within it. Also speaking were Sarah Owen, MP for Luton North and Co-chair of the APPG for Adult Social Care, and Simon Bottery, Senior Fellow, Social Care at The King’s Fund.
Through its manifesto – ‘Fulfilling Lives for All’ – Voyage Care has set out its vision for a social care system that meets everyone’s needs, achieved through a range of practical initiatives to unlock the potential of both those supported by and working in the care sector including:
- Establishing a new Commissioner for Adult Social Care with a legal mandate to promote and protect the rights of individuals relying on adult social care
- Developing a consistent and efficient approach to how care is commissioned underpinned by a long term plan which addresses the postcode lottery associated with accessing social care, improves sustainability and provides stability to unlock investment
- Establishing a compulsory national register of adult social care workers to provide parity of esteem with the NHS and recognition that care is a highly skilled profession. A register will improve recruitment and retention as well as provide assurances to people receiving care and the public about workforce standards